Top 10 highest-rated Illinois HS football players since 2000

10. A.J. Epenesa, Edwardsville

Epenesa was a big recruit not only in Illinois but nationwide. He immediately became one of the most hyped-up prospects in the history of Iowa football when he committed to the Hawkeyes. He competed in the All-American Bowl and the Polynesian Bowl as a senior and also contributed to Edwardsville’s trophy collection with state titles in the discus throw.

He emerged as a really solid player on the Hawkeyes’ defense, being named first-team All-Big 10 twice in his collegiate career. Epenesa would later be a second-round pick by the Buffalo Bills in the 2020 NFL Draft. He will enter his fourth year in the league this fall.

AJ Epenesa of Edwardsville #1 in US discus 206'5 pic.twitter.com/iHXEV1idw8

— Bulldog Track (@HBtracknfield) April 23, 2016